Code of Conduct

Updated December 10, 2022

Good Sportsmanship Policy/Code of Conduct

Finksburg Baseball[1]

Finksburg Baseball, a Carroll County Department of Recreation and Parks Program, recognizes that recreational and youth sports play a vital role in promoting children's physical, social, and emotional development.  We also recognize the need to provide a fun and safe playing environment.  Therefore, all coaches, players, parents, and guests must abide by our Good Sportsmanship Policy/Code of Conduct.  As parents/guardians of a player, you are responsible for yourself and all guests and family members who attend the game.  In addition, the team's coach will be held accountable for the behavior of their team's spectators and will be disciplined if spectators do not uphold these standards.

Good Sportsmanship Policy/Code of Conduct

All those involved with youth sports will demonstrate good sportsmanship, demand it of others, AND treat all others with respect regardless of race, sex, creed, or ability.  There is zero tolerance for aggressive behavior, bullying, violence, profanity, or the use of drugs, tobacco, or alcohol at any youth sporting event.  The Good Sportsmanship Policy/Code of Conduct applies to all Finksburg Baseball and Finksburg Baseball-sponsored programs and activities, including, but not limited to, the playing area, parking lot, or social media, to name a few.

Parents/Guardians:

1. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults.
2. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflict without resorting to hostility or violence.
3. I will teach my child that doing one's best is more important than winning.
4. I will praise my child for competing fairly, trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time.
5. I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.
6. I (and my guests) will be a positive role model and encourage good sportsmanship by showing respect, being courteous, and demonstrating positive support for everyone at games and practices.
7. I (and my guests) will not engage in unsportsmanlike conduct with anyone, such as booing and taunting, refusing to congratulate at the end of the game, or using profane language or gestures.  We will respect the officials and their authority.
8. In the event of a disagreement, I will not question, discuss, or confront coaches on the field and will take time to speak with them at an agreed-upon time and place.
9. I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices unless I am one of their coaches.

Coaches:

1. I understand volunteering is a privilege, not a right, and may be accepted/not accepted at any time.
2. I will apply for my yearly background check and wear my ID badge when volunteering.
3. I will place my players' emotional and physical well-being ahead of any personal desires to win.
4. I will treat each player as an individual, remembering that there is an extensive range of emotional and physical development for the same age group.  I will encourage and compliment players when they show improvement, play with extra effort, or need kind words.
5. I promise to review and practice basic first aid principles needed to treat injuries of my players.
6. I will do my best to organize fun and challenging practices for all players.
7. I will lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship.
8. I will not cheat or engage in unethical behavior that violates the rules of the program, Recreation Council, or Department.
9. I will be knowledgeable in the rules of each sport that I coach and will teach these rules to my players.
10. I will remember that I am a youth sports coach and that the game is for the children, not the adults.

Players:

1. I will have FUN and learn the game's rules.
2. I will do my very best to listen and learn from my coaches, and in doing so, I will expect to receive fair playing time.
3. I will be a good sport (win or lose), be honest and fair, and always show good sportsmanship.
4. I will learn the value of commitment to the team and inform my coach when I cannot participate.
5. I will set personal goals aside for the team's betterment.
6. I understand that failure to abide by the Good Sportsmanship Policy/Code of Conduct could negatively affect my ability to practice or play in games.

All Parents/Guardians, Coaches and Players

1. I will accept the officials' decisions as fair and determined to the best of their ability.  Spectators shall never go onto the playing or practice field or approach the official scorekeeper while the game is in progress or immediately after the event.  Allow the coach to take all questions, rule interpretations, or concerns to the appropriate league official.
2. I will ensure the safety of the playing area by reporting hazards, removing trash, leaving food and beverages outside the practice or playing area when requested, refraining from the use of tobacco within 50 yards of the playing field or program site, and refraining from the use of alcohol or other drugs at or immediately before all youth sports events.
3. I will abide by a doctor's decision in all matters of health, injuries, and ability to play

Failure to abide by the Good Sportsmanship Policy/Code of Conduct will be subject to disciplinary action including, but not limited to, verbal or written warning, ejection from a current event, suspension for future events, or suspension for a sports season, among others.  If a coach or spectator is ejected for these or any reason, they may not attend the immediately following two (2) games played.  When such action is taken, the individual must meet with the League Commissioner and/or League President prior to returning to any event.  In addition, if the head coach in attendance has been warned by the official(s) about the behavior of a spectator at the game, then that coach will also be suspended for at least one (1) game.  When such action is taken, the coach must meet with the League Commissioner and League President before returning to any event.  If a coach or spectator is ejected a second time or acts out physically towards another individual, they will not be allowed to attend any Finksburg Baseball/Softball sports activity for at least one (1) year from the date of the incident.  When such action is taken, the individual must meet with the League Commissioner and League President prior to returning to any event. My signature indicates that I fully understand the Good Sportsmanship Policy/Code of Conduct and will review it with my child(ren), as applicable.

[1] Finksburg Baseball amended and adopted the Good Sportsmanship Policy/Code of Conduct of the Carroll County Department of Recreation & Parks as approved on 11/2/2021.